Community Digest

La Mirada : New Patrol Unit to Help Keep Lid on Loud Parties

To keep private parties from getting out of control, the City Council has authorized a special "party patrol" to cruise La Mirada streets Friday and Saturday nights. Law enforcement service in the city is contracted with the county Sheriff's Department, which will conduct the patrols between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m.

The council voted unanimously to spend $25,000 to start the two-man patrol unit immediately. The council action was prompted by complaints in recent weeks about large private parties spilling onto streets and disturbing neighbors. Because reports about loud parties often are not considered priority calls, deputies sometimes do not respond immediately, said Gary Sloan, assistant city manager.

"Our concern is the party that ends up on a front lawn or in the street and eventually escalates into violence--a shooting or stabbing," Sloan said. With the extra unit, Sloan said deputies will be able to make sure a party disperses once the order is given. "Often times a busy unit can't stay around long enough, and 10 minutes after they roll to another call, the party is back in high gear," he said.